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Chrysotile is primarily used to produce cement roofing tiles and cement pipes. It is also used to produce brakes, clutch pedals, gaskets and heat insulating materials.

Chrysotile cement products provide the population with cost effective solutions in terms of shelters, rooftop and pipes. Chrysotile cement pipes are one of the most cost effective options available for water supply, sewerage, irrigation and drainage systems. As such, current chrysotile cement products in the market are highly capable to meet the growing population needs of today, especially in developing economies where resources are limited.

Today, the majority of chrysotile is used to manufacture high-density chrysotile materials. These materials are dense and non-friable, in which chrysotilefibres are encapsulated in a matrix of either cement or resin. This structure prevents fibres from being released into the air.

Thailand

In Thailand, 90% of chrysotile is used to produce construction materials, which are cement roof tiles and cement pipes. It is also in use by the automobile industry, with 8% is used to brake and clutch pedals production. Another 2% is used in gasket and heat insulating materials production.

Asbestos Usage

Before, in the West(Cold Climate )

Now, in Thailand(Tropical Climate )

Products

Friction MaterialsInsulation

Chrysotile- Cement roof tilesHigh Density

Types of asbestos

ChrysotileAmositeCrocidolite

Chrysotile

“Following WHO recommended method, Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works carried out dust level measurement for cement roof tile and pipe factories in 2001. The dust levels measured in various departments of 4 factories were 0.01 – 0.77 fibre/ml of air. The medical surveillances were carried out in 24 factories in 1987, 1997, and 1998. However, no asbestos related disease cases were detected. This may be due to short duration of exposure among workers (average working duration was 5.2 years).”

Industry and manufacturers

In 1938, Siam Fibre Cement Company was the first company to bring about a production of asbestos-cement tiles in Thailand to diversify its line of products. The company has converted his technology to non-asbestos products since 2007.

Hatschek technology, which is the most efficient for fibre-cement board production, has been brought in since 1961. Most manufacturers have implemented the Hatschek technology until today.

Until today, asbestos-cement tiles are popular to low income population because of its superior quality and affordable cost. The tiles are strong, light weight, resilient to water and heat. These features are beneficial for developing countries in tropical climate.

At present, there are 2 major manufacturers for asbestos-cement tiles:

Oran Vanich Co., Ltd.

Diamond Roofing Tiles Public Company, Ltd.

Chrysotile Products

FAQs

Is chrysotile dangerous to workers and how?

Dusts or airborne fibres including glass fibre, synthetic fibre, chrysotile fibre, stone dust, gasoline fume, exhaust fume, all are dangerous, if workers inhale and are exposed to them for a long period of time. However, the processing of chrysotile fibre as a raw material in manufacturing factories is properly controlled and thus, poses no risks to workers. Once the fibres are covered by cementous slurry, they are locked-in permanently and cannot escape.

Are workmen installing or fixing asbestos cement roof at risk of exposure to chrysotile?

Typical test results of air sampling show that fibre concentration is around 0.07 fibre/cc during cutting and installation of chrysotile cement roofing sheets. This is far below the level of 0.5 fibre/cc envisaged. There will be no risk for workmen or carpenters if they follow properly recommended work practices while installing or fixing roofing sheets.

Is there any evidence of workers who suffer from asbestos related diseases in Thai factories?

Thai manufacturers follow recommendations from the Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Public Health. They provide health check-up and lung x-ray for all employees annually. There is no evidence regarding the disease up to date.